Q Thanks, Mr. President. More than 3,000 same-sex couples have
taken vows since San Francisco started issuing marriage licenses to
gays and lesbians. This Massachusetts court ruling could result in the
first legally recognized gay marriages in May. Do these developments
make you any more inclined to endorse a constitutional amendment
banning gay marriage?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I strongly believe that marriage should be defined
as between a man and a woman. I am troubled by activist judges who are
defining marriage. I have watched carefully what's happened in San
Francisco, where licenses were being issued even though the law states
otherwise. I have consistently stated that if -- I'll support law to
protect marriage between a man and a woman. And obviously these events
are influencing my decision.

Q Are you close to a decision?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I'm watching very carefully. But I'm troubled by
what I've seen. People need to be involved with this decision. Marriage
ought to be defined by the people, not by the courts. And I'm watching
it carefully.